England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed his ambition to play James Bond after his football career ends. The 23-year-old, who has been England's standout player at the 2026 World Cup, shared his acting aspirations during an appearance on After Hours with James Corden.
Bond Ambition Revealed
Bellingham told host James Corden: "People would always ask me, 'What's the thing you want to do outside of football?' And I never really give it that much thought. But when I have, it always comes out – I'd love to be in a film. I'd love to be James Bond. I've watched the Sean Connery ones, Roger Moore. I've seen all of them. I love James Bond. I swear, I'd love to be."
He added: "Maybe James Bond himself, but you've got to crawl before you can walk. They haven't (found a new Bond) yet, have they?"
World Cup Focus
Before any film career, Bellingham is focused on helping England end a 60-year wait for a World Cup win. England face DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday in Atlanta. "It would just be beyond iconic, beyond legendary," Bellingham said of winning the World Cup. "It'd be something that would bring the country together for years and years. And when it does, I think it'll be an unbelievable time for the country."
Life at Real Madrid
Bellingham also discussed coping with fame at Real Madrid, one of the world's biggest clubs. "Going to the main bits of the city it's got to be like a hoodie, cap, shades to not get recognised," he said. "But to be fair, even if you do get seen, it's always admiration or respect. They really put you on a pedestal of, 'Wow, you play for Real Madrid,' because they appreciate what it takes to get there."
He described the people in Madrid as "warm," adding: "Warmer when you're winning. Sure, it can be a bit tough when you're losing, but generally speaking, there are a lot of really warm people in the city."
World Cup Progress
England progressed through the group stage after a goalless draw with Ghana and a victory over Panama. The round of 32 has already seen surprises, with the Netherlands losing on penalties to Morocco and Germany beaten on spot-kicks by Paraguay. A win against DR Congo would set up a last-16 clash against either Mexico or Ecuador.
Former England striker Alan Shearer has warned that DR Congo's defence will be tough to break down, similar to the challenges England faced against Panama and Ghana.
